Participation in extracurricular oral advocacy competitions is a central part of the academic experience of many BCLS students. All competitions require participation with a partner, either self-selected or assigned randomly from a pool of interested participants. All events conclude with a final round of competition to which the entire BCLS community is invited.
One-Ls often find the experience of honing their Negotiation and Client Counseling skills during their first year of law school valuable in multiple ways. The experience can assist in building a student’s confidence before undertaking his or her first legal job the summer after 1L year. Also, the skills used during the competitions are those explored during the mandatory first year course Introduction to Lawyering and Professional Responsibility.
The 2L Grimes Moot Court competition is a prerequisite for selection as a member of an academic moot court team during the third year of law school. Since relatively few lawyers ever enjoy a real life experience in front of an appellate judge, the event presents a unique opportunity to hone the skills of appellate oral advocacy.
The 3L Mock Trial competition is an unparalleled opportunity to serve as lead counsel for a hypothetical criminal or civil trial. Participation in the competition is a prerequisite for selection for the academic National Mock Trial team during the third year of law school. In the competition, students prepare for and present all elements of a real trial, including opening statements, closing arguments, and direct and cross examinations of witnesses.
For more detailed information on each event, please click the relevant link.
